The last Star Wars movie included all kinds of high-tech gadgetry, but that doesn't mean we're going to be seeing people walking around with lightsabers anytime soon. In fact, the next round of high-tech gear may take on more of a Back to the Future type functionality as manufacturers attempt to make more simple products like Apple's tech savvy, but user-friendly iPod. As this article from Wired News details, gadgets that include everything but the kitchen sink could take a back seat to those that provide simple functionality. But that's not to say we're headed for a time when cell phones will only be used to make calls. Wireless phones will continue to evolve, and include more complex voice-recognition applications that can be used to compose e-mail, and mapping programs to help people get around. With energy costs unlikely to drop appreciably anytime soon, alternative energy companies also will be a hot area ripe for technological improvements. —David Shabelman
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